A beginner-s guide to amigurumi

table of contents Selecting your materials Getting started crocheting Assembling your amigurumi Reading crochet patterns, step by step Get started with Howie the penguin! Introduction
Are you in love with all things cute? Like making things yourself? But are maybe a bit nervous about getting started? You’ve come to the right place! I’m Stacey, and I’m the crochet designer for FreshStitches amigurumi. I think that everyone in the world should feel the joy of making something cute and adorable all on their own, so I’m here to help you get started! This e-book is a compilation of blog posts that I’ve written over the years (for my blog: www.freshstitches.com/wordpress), and together, you have everything you need to get started crocheting! Throughout this book, I’ve added helpful links to videos for some techniques, because some things, you just need to see in action to learn. Watch them… they’re your friends! And finally, the end of this book includes, Howie, a penguin pattern. You can put all of your new skills into action by making your very own amigurumi. Don’t worry… you can do it! So, let’s get started!

3 10 18 22 25

Selecting your materials
Choosing yarn for your amigurumis!
If you look around on amigurumi websites, or ask someone who does amigurumi what kind of yarn they use, they are likely to say ‘acrylic!’. This is because acrylic has many pluses: first and foremost, it’s very inexpensive. It’s also widely available at your local craft store, it comes in a wide variety of colors, it’s machine washable and people are rarely allergic to it. However, most amigurumi patterns require less than one skein of yarn, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to experiment with new (and slightly more expensive) yarns! Even if you select a very high-end wool, you will probably end up spending less than $10-$15 in total, and that’s still not a bad price for an adorable stuffed animal. So, while acrylic is a great choice, I’m going to urge you to check out some of the other fibers on the market! Wool I’m a sucker for 100% wool yarn. If you cringe when you hear ‘wool’, it’s probably because you remember scratchy wool sweaters from when you were a kid… and let me tell you- you’re right to cringe at those memories! I’m delighted that wool has come a long way since then! While you may still bump into an icky wool yarn, most of the 100% wool yarn sold in independent yarn stores is lovely stuff. Two of my favorite brands are Ella Rae Classic wool and Plymouth Galway- both worsted weight yarns (translation: a nice medium weight) that come in a wide range of colors!

So. It has a tendency to felt. which means it is not machine washable. To avoid this problem. a fast-drying material may be what you are looking for. Wool does have some downsides. if you are making a stuffed animal for a baby. so it also holds shape fairly well. Another downside to wool is that some people are allergic to it. wool is often blended with much softer animal fibers (such as silk. Especially if you are doing a pattern which calls for the loop stitch.
. Additionally. is available in an enormous array of blends. wool yarn. because of its popularity. Usually relegated to dishrags and doilies. so in these cases. which can absorb a great deal of water and sometimes takes forever to dry). who may decide to chew on an animal leg.The main advantage of wool is its feel: it feels nice to work with and it feels nice in the final product. angora or cashmere). discussed below). Cotton I have a soft spot for cotton. Wool tends not to be as slippery as acrylic. it would be best to use an acrylic or a plant-based yarn (like cotton or soy. For example. The reason that cotton is used for dishrags is the same reason you should consider it for amigurumi: it dries quickly (unlike wool. you want to use a yarn that has a certain amount of friction to hold the stitch in place. you can use ‘superwash wool’. which is wool that has been treated so that it will not felt. cotton deserves a fair place in yarn consideration. Experimenting with these options is a tempting treat for stuffed animal making.

Who knows. and you’ll end up with a smaller amigurumi. But what if you want to substitute yarn for your amigurumi? Fortunately. you may find a new favorite!
What hook size do I use?
Of course. give these yarns a try! So. which can make them a little trickier to work with. Both are also incredibly soft and usually machine washable. hypoallergenic and machine washable). a 100% organic cotton yarn that is amazingly soft! This line of yarn also comes in beautifully bright and dazzling colors… just the thing to add some spunk to your amigurumi! Soy and Bamboo Soy and bamboo yarns are the new kids on the block. The downside is that they can be very slippery. this question is easy-peasy if you have the exact yarn called for in the pattern.My favorite cotton yarn is Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Cotton. which means that you can experiment with the exciting array of yarns out there. Look how much smaller the one on the left is… isn’t he adorable?
. it’s not that acrylic is bad. Check out the two monsters above: the monster on the right was crocheted with the (recommended) worsted weight yarn and the monster on the left was crocheted with a smaller yarn and hook. you’ll need to use a smaller hook. this is easy to do too!
Let’s start with the basics. But stuffed animals are small. Both soy and bamboo yarns are made from smooshing up the plants. However. If you use a smaller yarn than is recommended. It’s not. processing the pulp and spinning it into yarn. if you are looking to make a stuffed animal great for children (soft. without much of a hit to the pocketbook.

25mm smaller than what is recommended on the yarn label. which is a size B. now I have a smaller yarn that I want to make an amigurumi from.25mm. So. Let’s pretend we’re looking at a pattern that recommends using a worsted weight yarn with a size F (3. so to substitute successfully.25 from 3. How do I know that? I peeked at the size hook recommended on the yarn label of a worsted weight yarn! That means that the pattern recommends that you use a hook that is 1. just subtract 1.0mm) hook.how do you know what sized hook to use? Amigurumi patterns typically recommend that you use a hook smaller than is recommended for the yarn.5mm hook.5… and we find out that we’ll want to use a 2.
To calculate what size hook we need.75mm) hook. you’ll want to use a hook that’s the same amount smaller than is recommended for your yarn. grab your B hook and start crocheting! Easy!
.Let’s get down to the details. A worsted weight yarn usually uses a size H (5. The yarn label for my smaller yarn recommends a 3.
So. Let’s look at an example.

below!).
. but I used 9mm eyes for the smaller monster. the big monster uses 12mm eyes. we’d probably round up to a 5mm (size H) and get started!
A couple of other points to keep in mind: • If you’re using a bigger yarn.Does it work the same way for bigger yarns? Of course! Let’s say we have a bulky yarn.
The bulky yarn label says that we want to use a size 10. 6 minus 1. • Scale your eyes accordingly! In the monsters above.75! Since there isn’t a 4. you’re going to also use slightly more yardage than is called for in the pattern.75 mm crochet hook. which is a 6mm. • Are you confused about what size in millimeters your crochet hook is? You might want to check out a conversion chart (handy dandy example. Smaller yarns will use less yardage.25 is 4.

Polyfill’s claim to fame is that it is much fluffier than other brands of fiberfill. Let me explain why. amigurumi are about having fun… so don’t worry too much about the exact hook size! If the little animal you’re making looks good in the yarn that you chose. You’ll usually read that you stuff the dickens out of your amigurumi. creating more fluff.And remember. this is because the fibers in Polyfill are specially manufactured to sit in a ‘random’ arrangement. no matter how their fibers are arranged. which often leads to a hand cramp! Oy!
. So. and you may have heard of ‘PolyFill’. to accommodate the squishing. and some alternatives to consider. some of the fiberfill is going to get compressed. you need to crochet the animal using a much smaller hook than usual. smoosh over time. and let them hug it and squeeze it. Of course. and an ounce of some other brand of fiberfill. But then. so these are just my opinions! Fiberfill Fiberfill is the generic name for polyester stuffing. In fact. the Polyfill will take up more volume. That is. I don’t think that makes it better! That’s right. Keep in mind though. In my opinion. then go with it!
Selecting stuffing
I’m going to talk about some considerations when selecting a stuffing. picking a stuffing has more to do with personal preference than hard-core evidence. if you take an ounce of Polyfill. a brand of fiberfill.
I will attest that Polyfill is fluffier than other brands. However. All stuffings. Polyfill is too fluffy. you can get around this problem by over-stuffing. that this is the solution that is usually recommended. do you know what happens? The stuffing shows through the crochet stitches.I’m going against the grain here. According to their website. If you give a child a stuffed animal.

stuffing is made from cotton. and let me know if there’s one I haven’t thought of!
. which allows you to crochet the animal with a regular sized hook. except that it comes in a pillow-form. So if you’re making amigurumi for a little one who is a bit drooly.and need to use them. use it. rather than using them as stuffing. Cheap alternatives Many a person has had the following thought: ‘why would I pay for stuffing? There’s stuff everywhere!’ It’s true.My preferred solution is to stuff your animal with generic fiberfill stuffing (yeah. These actually don’t work out so well. but some people love them.
So.I recommend tearing them up (and getting them out of their ‘ball’ state) before using them. and will make a heavy animal. or they will be very lumpy. Here are a few ideas. down or some other material). don’t forget. and my input about them:
•
•
•
•
old pillows: Excellent idea! In fact. If you are the heiress to a cotton ball collection. I haven’t tried the natural/organic stuffings available on the market. Enough said. feel free to experiment. First. cotton balls: hmm. Things that can rot or decompose are not good things to put inside a stuffed animal. the cheap stuff) and stuff the animal with a decent amount of stuffing (instead of totally overstuffing). and I’m completely in favor of recycling… but some things work better than others. however. just make sure the pieces are small. Sounds good to me! Natural Stuffing I have to admit. But. wool is natural. Does it look like it will sneak out through the crochet stitches? (down is particularly good at this) Is it still fluffy? If it looks good. But. at least they’re not a safety hazard! yarn and fabric scraps: eh. you might not want that drool absorbed in the stuffed animal. but my interest has been piqued! Nowadays. just have a good look at it before deciding to use it. pillows. plant material: not such a good idea. And. sofa-cushion fill… you get the idea. commercial pillow stuffing is the same polyester stuff as fiberfill stuffing. They are also rather dense. If you have a fancy pillow (i. they’re a little lumpy. Keep in mind that wool absorbs water (up to 30% of its weight). so this section will be short. and even corn. (I’m only putting it on this list because I’ve heard it suggested). because your stuffing isn’t too fluffy. If you’re using fabric. Because you aren’t overstuffing. the fiberfill doesn’t show through your crocheted fabric. In my opinion. If you have too many yarn scraps lying around. so you’re going to get a heavy animal.e. your animal won’t deflate like an expired balloon. have a word of caution about stuffing animals with wool. consider making a scrap animal. And. bamboo. in a pinch. I like to recycle. in the end. I do. but will generally only use things as stuffing that were once used as stuffing: old blankets. too! I’ve already confessed that I have little experience in this domain. they are also very dense.

and then single crochet six times into the first stitch. Below. Instead.Getting started crocheting
Okay. I’ll tell you about my 2 favorite ways to begin working in the round. Most amigurumi begin by working 6 stitches (sts) into one stitch. you have your yarn. The standard way is to make a slip knot.
Now. Why isn’t this the best? It leaves an icky hole that lets stuffing poke through. hook and stuffing… now you’re ready to crochet! Even if you’re a crocheting novice.
I teach my students what is called ‘the sloppy slip knot’… it’s a quick and easy way to crochet with no hole! Let’s get started!
To begin.
Beginning to work in the round: sloppy slip knot
The typical way of starting to work in the round is less than ideal for amigurumi. to begin working in the round. don’t make a slip knot. There are lots of ways to do this. as pictured on the left. fear not! This section contains all the info you’ll need to get started. Not so good. continue on as noted in the pattern. Chain two stitches. simply twist the yarn once around your crochet hook. chain 2. as well as links to videos that will show you how to do the basic crochet stitches. some of which can be confusing. and single crochet six times into the first stitch.
. as shown in the photo at left.

In this technique. the start yarn is easily pulled shut.com/slopslipknot. you begin by making a slip knot.Here’s the magic part. but it got you all tied up in knots… the classic technique can be a bit complicated.
Video help!
Want to see the sloppy slip knot in action? Watch my video at www. That’s why I came up with this super-easy way of doing magic ring. With this method. the hole won’t slip open over time.php
It’s easy! And best of all. so it’s more accessible to beginners. as pictured on below. and your hole closes up! Because you aren’t starting with a knot. Who knows.freshstitches. it may become your favorite! Step one: make a slip knot Start off by getting the hook and yarn called for in your pattern. And don’t worry. then creating the adjustable loop.
.
Beginning to work in the round: super easy magic ring!
Maybe you’ve heard of magic (adjustable ring). the ‘sloppy slip knot’ leaves you with a quick way to avoid that pesky hole that comes with working in the round. Just pull the tail. there are less loops flying around.

Step three: crochet into the loop Pretend that GIANT loop is just one crochet stitch.
Step two: make a loop With that 6 inches you left in in the tail. make a slip knot with about 6 inches remaining at the tail. wrap your yarn over the hook and pull through the loop. To single crochet one stitch into the loop: insert your hook into the loop. make a loop. then wrap your yarn over your hook again and pull through the two loops on your hook! Repeat this until you’ve crocheted all of your stitches! Your piece will look as pictured at left. Crochet into it six times (or do however many stitches called for in your pattern). as pictured at left.Then. and insert the hook into the slip knot.
.

freshstitches.php
Crocheting through the back or both loops
When you’re crocheting. prefer crocheting through the back loop.com/magicring. you have the option of crocheting through both loops or the back loop.Step four: pull. and you’re done! To close up the hole.php
. and let you decide!
Video help!
Not sure how to crochet through the back loop of a stitch? Watch my video at: www.com/backloop. I.freshstitches. I’ll show you what both ways look like. and I often get asked which is better. pull on the tail!
You’re done! Hooray!
Video help!
Want to see the how the new magic ring is done? Watch my video at: www. personally. But.

You will notice that the back of the fabric looks identical to the back of the sample that is worked through both loops.Both Loops
The above photo shows an example of working through both loops. The fabric also contains noticeable little holes. meaning that amigurumi can be made without a very small hook size. so when this technique is used in making amigurumi.
. (you’ll notice that almost all FreshStitches patterns are worked through the back loops only). It also creates little ‘ridges’ on the front of the work that I really like. This technique does not leave very noticeable holes in the fabric. Doing so creates a fabric that is slightly thicker than working through one loop alone. Doing so creates a thinner fabric than working through both loops. one usually uses a smaller hook size than is required for the yarn so that the stuffing does not show. with no notable ‘ridges’ on the work. Back Loop
The above photo shows an example of working through the back loop only.

grab a row counter and a locking stitch marker. and even… these things called pencils and paper… Yes. this means you’re going to have to count and keep track of where your end of round is.Tips for counting while working in the round
Many amigurumi patterns are crocheted in the round using ‘spirals’ (which means that you crochet around and around without turning). but there’s no need to be fancy. if you carry your crochet projects around with you often. Since there’s no clear beginning to the round. Locking stitch markers are available in the plain plastic
. I’m going to demonstrate using the hook-based kind of row counter.
Row counters are handy devices. This can be scary news for beginning crocheters… the dreaded counting. We need to use the second type: a locking stitch marker. And. These are all fine ways of keeping count. Because crochet doesn’t keep stitches on a needle. you may be familiar with ring stitch markers that are kept on your knitting needle as a place holder. For example. and it’s really a matter of personal preference. there are two types of stitch markers. ones that hang around your neck (and click as a means of advancing). In yarn world. They come in many forms: circular ones that stick on the end of your crochet hook (and that you need to manually rotate to advance to the next number). this is not a disaster. To start. If you knit. but it’s up to you. It’s okay. a row counter that sticks to your hook may be more useful than a post-it note. Fear not! I can help you! Beginning crocheters tend to have difficulty counting because they are concentrating on performing the stitch properly… and before you know it. many people prefer a post-it note and a pencil to keep count of what round they are on. This allows you to keep a place in your work as you continue on crocheting. have lost count. This type of stitch marker has a hook that will lock onto a stitch and stay there until you take it off. there are different options available! I’ll be using my super-cute koala decorative stitch marker (at right) for this demonstration. it’s not surprising that this kind of stitch marker is completely useless to us.

Now get out your pattern. so no exceptional counting skills required there. so those are your tools. The next round says to sc 6 times in the first stitch. you will need to count to six. have a circle with 6 stitches in it). That’s all you need to do. Okay. it is difficult to use a stitch marker because the piece is so small. The first step is to ch 2. You will use the row counter to keep track of what round in the pattern you are on. To finish this round. This is pictured at left. and should be available at most yarn stores. Let’s see how this works: step by step. to remind you that you are now on the second round.variety.
. And you will place the stitch marker at the last stitch of each round to keep track of where you started the round. Increase your row counter to ’02′.
Now you’ve finished round 1 (and hopefully. Place your stitch marker on the front loop of the last stitch that you just completed. Use what works for you! You are going to use these two items (a row counter and a locking stitch marker) to keep track of your stitches. At this point. so you’ll have to rely on your memory. Set your row counter to ’01′ to remind you that you are on your first round. Even a safety pin will do.

you just need to remember to increase your row counter and move your stitch marker at the end of each row. and check the instructions for that round. then sc in next st’ until the end of the row! So. So. You just keep doing this until you are directly above the stitch marker. and repeat 5 more times. If you forget what you are supposed to be doing. then sc in next st’. which will remind you that you are on round 2. then sc in next 2 stitches’. and in the next stitch. Notice that the instructions (on most amigurumi patterns. And on it goes! With this system. just look at your row counter.
Now it’s time for Round 2. And before you know it. as we saw with the previous round. and again in the next stitch. Single crochet in the next stitch. sc twice in the next st. and move your stitch marker to the last stitch you have just completed. single crochet once. it’s time to start the process over again. Increase your row counter to ’03′. just look at the directions. All you need to remember is that you need to ‘sc twice in next st. Here is where the stitch marker does his work. And.You are at the last stitch in the round. They say ‘sc twice in next st. Now. the pattern at the end of this ebook) say to ‘sc twice in next st. meaning that this round is done. particularly Howie the penguin. How do you know? You are directly above the stitch marker from the last round. you’ll have your circle!
. When you have completed round 2. you just have to remember to do this until you arrive above the stitch marker again. single crochet twice in the next stitch.

You won’t need to move it soon.com/singlecrochet.freshstitches. Every time you pass the stitch marker. When you get to 10. after you complete the circle. This tells you how many rows total you have done. you’re finished. you’ll know you’ve completed one round. I’m sure it will help you get started. but it’s not! Leave your stitch marker in place at the end of Round 10. as shown at left (The arrow points to one ‘ridge’). Now.php Increasing: http://www. Looks like a lot of counting. and it’s helped them not get lost in a maze of numbers. too!
Helpful crochet stitch videos
Are you feeling a little shaky on your crochet stitches? No problem! Here are a few links to videos that will help you out!
Single crochet: http://www. and you didn’t need to count the stitches! This is the system I teach to all of my beginning amigurumi students. Notice.There is another part where the stitch marker is useful.com/decrease.php Decreasing: http://www. just count how many ridges you see between your hook and the stitch marker.php
assembling your amigurumi
a little trick when assembling
I’m going to share a little tip that helps me when I’m assembling tricky amigurumi pieces (although.com/increasevideo. just keep single crocheting. this pattern tells you to do 10 rounds of single crochet. At that point.freshstitches. you could use this when you’re seaming anything small)! I use locking stitch markers to hold my pieces in place!
.freshstitches.

I set out equal amounts of stuffing for each leg (or arm.
. For small amigurumi. So. above). with large amigurumi. However. and it’ll be held in place. After all.making your sewing even easier.
The first thing to note is you need a fair bit of stuffing for large animals! And because crochet stretches. but there are a couple more tricks I’d like to share. but they’re great for holding two pieces of fabric together. you spend lots of time crocheting… you want to end up with an animal that looks great! And stuffing is crucial to obtaining a great final look. or whatever you want to be of equal size). that stuffing large amigurumi requires slightly different techniques than stuffing tiny amigurumi. if you’re stuffing body parts like legs. Yay!
Tips for stuffing large amigurumi
You probably wouldn’t be too surprised if I told you that how you stuff your amigurumi is important. and the main trick is getting the stuffing into all the tiny parts. while it’s true that you need to stuff your animal firmly. as well! Just place a couple around the piece that you’re attaching. though. you want them to be the same size. it’s important to stuff firmly. You may be surprised. the amount of stuffing used determines the size of the finished product.I’ve already talked about using locking stitch markers to help you keep track of rounds while crocheting (see ‘tips for counting while working in the round’. meaning you need to stuff them with the same amount of stuffing! Before I stuff.

even if you don’t need to have pieces match in size. So.Another tip is that you want to stuff your amigurumi part with one big ball of stuffing. at this point. even. If you fill the part with little balls. keeping a smooth look. The stuffing you added earlier will press out to the sides. non-lumpy stuffing!
. For large amigurumi.
If. the finished product will look lumpy. you have two stuffed parts of equal size! Of course. you can add more to the center. try stuffing your amigurumi using one big ball of stuffing. and you can add more to the center. just rip off what’s hanging off the top!
Now. you realize that you haven’t added enough stuffing. If you have too much. instead of continually putting in little bits of stuffing. these stuffing tips apply to all amigurumi parts. the key is firm.

the legs that we need to attach have a circumference of 18 stitches (which is to say that the last round has 18 stitches in it!) So. to attach the second leg. round 10 of the body). our body has a great grid that we can use to place our legs! Even if you haven’t crocheted through the back loop (and don’t have those little ridge stitches). it’s not too hard… you just need to do a little planning!
At left is a body.
At left. and stitch 5 stitches along the bottom of the leg to this round (18 divided by 4 sides = about 4 or 5 stitches per side of the leg). In this case. Continue along all sides of the leg. Since we’ve crocheted through the back loop. you can still count the stitches to get an even placement of limbs on your piece. I’ve highlighted some of the stitches in blue. Now. all you need to do is select a round to attach the bottom of the leg (in our case.How to place your limbs
A common problem in making amigurumi is placing the arms and legs evenly. until it is fully attached. and we’ll need to attach two legs.
. But. just attach the bottom of the leg along the same round… and attach along the same number of stitches on each side.

php) The chosen snippet is from the wing.Now that you’ve planned out where your limb should be attached. wings). it can be a little daunting to read a crochet pattern. So. and end up with one wing.and I’m going to go through. line by line. you’ll do it all over again for your second wing!
.even if you know how to crochet! So. your arms and legs will be attached evenly. and you’ll get a symmetrical amigurumi!
Reading crochet patterns. a free pattern available at the end of this e-book! (also available for download at: www.
Line 1: Make 2 This instruction tells you that you are going to make 2 items (in this case. step by step
Do you know what I love about amigurumi? They’re quick and fun crochet projects that can be suitable for beginners! But. Then. you’ll complete this entire set of directions once. I’ve snipped a little piece of pattern from Howie the holiday Penguin. just use your tapestry needle and a piece of yarn to attach it! With this tip.com/holidaypenguin.freshstitches. let’s talk about the basics of reading a crochet pattern! Below. and decode the tricky bits.

this line instructs you to ‘single crochet six times in the second chain from the hook’. Before you can do this. ‘MC’ stands for ‘main color’.com/singlecrochet. Repeat from * 5 times (18) Just when you thought you were getting it… a crazy asterisk crept in! So. What’s the ‘second chain from hook’? Look at the two chains you completed on the last line. So. you’ll need to consult the abbreviation! ‘Sc’ stands for ‘single crochet’. by the end.Line 2: With MC.freshstitches. You should have 12 stitches in each round.freshstitches.php
Line 3: Round 1: Sc 6 times in 2nd ch from hook (6) Again. ch 2 For decoding this line. Then. where the abbreviations live. and that you should have 12 stitches at the completion of this round. It’s telling you to single crochet twice in the next stitch. So. It’s telling you to work NOT in the one right next to your hook… but one further away from that! (it’s the first chain that you crocheted!). you should single crochet in each stitch. in words. do that 5 more times.freshstitches. and ‘ch 2′ is instructing you to ‘chain 2 stitches’.php
What does that (6) mean? It means that at the completion of this round. Now. Line 5: Rounds 3-4: Sc in each st (12) This instruction is saying that for round 3.com/increase. you will have done:
Video help!
For a video of the single crochet increase.com/chain. you’ll want to flip to the front of the pattern. and then single crochet in the stitch after that.com/slopslipknot.freshstitches. sc in next st. visit: www.
Video help!
For a video of the slip knot. here’s what this one is saying. now!) Line 6: Round 5: *Sc twice in next st. you should have 6 stitches! It’s very helpful to count your stitches! Line 4: Round 2: Sc twice in each st (12) This instruction is instructing you to single crochet twice (do an increase) in each of the next 6 stitches. visit: www.php For a video of the chain stitch. as well. (I’ll bet you’re getting the hang of pattern reading. and in the front of the penguin pattern. visit: www. you’ll find that the main color is a black yarn. you’ll need to begin with a slip knot (that part usually doesn’t get mentioned in the pattern!). ‘ch’ stands for ‘chain’.
Video help!
For a video of single crochet.php
. you should single crochet in each stitch for round 4. visit: www.

Yay! Congrats! You’ve read your first pattern… now you’re ready to crochet the entire penguin!
Video help!
For a video of fastening off. sc twice. sc. visit: www. 8 and 9. sc twice. sc in next st. this line is instructing you to single crochet the next 2 stitches together. also known as a decrease. Now.com/fasten. sc twice. and pull the tail through the stitch to tie a knot. sc.sc twice. then single crochet in the next stitch. and you’ll have have 18 stitches. So. sc. you see why we don’t write out patterns that way… it gets really long! Line 7: Rounds 6-9: Sc in each st (18) You’ve seen this before! For round 6. 7. sc. single crochet in each stitch there is! Line 8: *Sc2tog. do that 5 more times.freshstitches. sc. (now. sc. sc twice. Repeat from * 5 times (12) Sc2tog means to ‘single crochet 2 stitches together’.php
Video help!
For a video of the single crochet decrease. You’ll have 12 stitches when you’re done! Line 9: Fasten off with long tail You’re almost done! Simply cut your yarn about 6 inches away from your last stitch.php
. visit: www.com/decrease. sc twice.freshstitches.

The most important thing is that you use a hook size that creates a nice looking fabric for your yarn. MC. any worsted weight yarn can be substituted. For the yarn.0mm) crochet hook tapestry needle two 12mm black animal eyes a few handfuls of stuffing Yarn Less than 220 yards (1 skein) is required of each color. and you don’t need to be too picky about exact sizing.Black (Plymouth Galway Worsted color # 154) SC. and your fabric looks very loose (so that stuffing would show through). However. It’s a stuffed animal.Get started with Howie the penguin!
Abbreviations ch: chain sc: single crochet sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together st(s): stitch(es) Materials Size H (5. Other than that. I use 100% wool worsted weight (Ella Rae Classic the brand used in the sample). If you use the recommended hook size.White (Ella Rae Classic color #01) AC1. no measuring required!
. then you will want to use a smaller hook.Yellow (Ella Rae Classic color #44) AC2.Blue (Ella Rae Classic color #83) Gauge This pattern doesn’t specify a gauge.

To attach your piece to another. ch 2 Round 1: sc 6 in 2nd ch from hook (6) Round 2: sc twice in each st (12) Round 3: * sc twice in next st. sc in next st. Repeat from * 5 times (18) Rounds 6-9: sc in each st (18) Round 10: * sc2tog. ch 2 Round 1: sc 6 in 2nd ch from hook (6) Round 2: sc twice in each st (12) Round 3: * sc twice in next st. ch 2 Round 1: sc 6 times in 2nd ch from hook (6)
. unless otherwise directed. ch 2 Round 1: sc 6 times in 2nd ch from hook (6) Round 2: sc twice in each st (12) Rounds 3-4: sc in each st (12) Round 5: * sc twice in next st. to leave a lot (about 6-9 inches) of extra yarn. Wings Make 2.Stitch into the back All stitches in the round are into the back loop. just thread the long tail through a tapestry needle. Feet Make 2. With MC. sc in next st. but this will change the look of the final product. Beak With AC1. With AC2. and stitch to the second piece. Repeat from * 5 times (24) Fasten off with long tail. With AC1. Repeat from * 5 times (12) Fasten off with long tail.
Fasten off with long tail What does this mean? It just means that when you are ending a piece. as pictured. sc in next st. sc in next 2 sts.
The pattern
Eye Circles Make 2. This will be used to attach this piece to another piece. Repeat from * 5 times (18) Round 4: * sc twice in next st. Repeat from * 5 times (18) Rounds 4-5: sc in each st (18) Fasten off with long tail. You can stitch into both loops if you desire. sc in next st.

sc in next 5 sts. sc in next 4 sts. sc in next 8 sts. but do not fasten off!
. sc in next 7 sts. sc in next 6 sts. sc in next 7 sts. Tummy Circle With SC. Repeat from * 5 times (60) Rounds 11-21: sc in each st (60) Round 22: * sc2tog. Repeat from * 5 times (36) Round 7: * sc twice in next st. Repeat from * 5 times (30) Round 6: * sc twice in next st. sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * 5 times (42) Round 8: * sc twice in next st. Repeat from * 5 times (48) Round 9: * sc twice in next st. Repeat from * 5 times (54) Round 23: sc in each st (54) Round 24: * sc2tog.Round 2: sc twice in each st (12) Rounds 3-5: sc in each st (12) Fasten off with long tail. Repeat from * 5 times (36) Round 29: sc in each st (36) Round 30: * sc2tog. Repeat from * 5 times (48) Round 25: sc in each st (48) Round 26: * sc2tog. sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * 5 times (18) Round 4: * sc twice in next st. Body With MC. sc in next 5 sts. ch 2 Round 1: sc 6 times in 2nd ch from hook (6) Round 2: sc twice in each st (12) Round 3: * sc twice in next st. sc in next 4 sts. Repeat from * 5 times (30) Round 6: * sc twice in next st. sc in next st. Repeat from * 5 times (18) Round 4: * sc twice in next st. ch 2 Round 1: sc 6 times in 2nd ch from hook (6) Round 2: sc twice in each st (12) Round 3: * sc twice in next st. sc in next st. sc in next 8 sts. Repeat from * 5 times (36) Round 7: * sc twice in next st. Repeat from * 5 times (24) Round 5: * sc twice in next st. sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * 5 times (24) Round 5: * sc twice in next st. Repeat from * 5 times (30) Round 31: sc in each st (30) remove hook. Repeat from * 5 times (48) Fasten off with long tail. Repeat from * 5 times (42) Round 8: * sc twice in next st. sc in next 6 sts. sc in next 5 sts. Repeat from * 5 times (54) Round 10: * sc twice in next st. sc in next 4 sts. sc in next 6 sts. sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * 5 times (42) Round 27: sc in each st (42) Round 28: * sc2tog.

The bottom of the eye circles should be attached to round 21. and the top of the eye circles will reach round 27.
. and attach to each side of body. at approximately round 22.Flatten feet. Be sure that the two eye circles touch in the center. and attach to round 7 of body.
Flatten wings.
Attach eye circles to body.

facebook. Stuff penguin body. To do so.
Fasten eyes onto the head. sc in next st. Repeat from * 5 times (6) Round 36: sc2tog next and fourth sts.. Continue crocheting.Attach tummy circle to body. (1) Fasten off. sc in next 3 sts. . Stuff beak slightly. Round 32: * sc2tog. and press washer onto back post to secure. The bottom should be attached at round 9 (two rounds above the feet). pulling knot to center. sc in next 2 sts.com/freshstitches
.
Ta da! You have a beautiful penguin!
Aren-t you proud? Share your finished cutie with us! www. Repeat from * 5 times (18) Round 34: * sc2tog. Repeat from * 5 times (12) Round 35: * sc2tog. Repeat from * 5 times (24) Round 33: * sc2tog.. and slightly overlap the bottom of the eye circles at the top. and attach over the point where the eye circles and tummy circle meet. insert post between desired stitches. Plastic eyes should be positioned in the center of the eye circles.

com/tinycrab. I also enthusiastically write a blog. so that you can see what your piece should look like along the way.freshstitches. oh-so-yummy satisfaction that only comes with making something yourself.freshstitches.php
About stacey and freshstitches
Hi! I'm Stacey and I live my fantasy life designing cute & cuddly amigurumi! I'm passionate about helping everyone out there have that priceless.The stars in this book
Interested in meeting some of the cuties you’ve seen in this book? Here’s how to snag them! (and now that you’re crocheting amigurumi like a pro… you can make them on your own!)
Roosevelt the monster
as seen on: page 5 available at: www.com/freshstitches
it-s easy to find me!
.php
tipper the tiny crab
as seen on: page 1 available at: www.com/wordpress twitter: @freshstitches facebook: www...facebook. blog: www.com/monster2. dedicated to providing helpful tips for my customers.freshstitches. so I'm dedicated to writing patterns and providing tutorials that help you crochet your own adorable creations! My patterns all come with progress photos.